Chapter 0262

During a mental self–defense lesson, Julian tried to instruct me on the best way to evade answering

Terry’s invasive questions.

“He’ll goad you,” Julian said. “You just have to keep your head. If all else fails, just don’t say a word. He

can’t twist your words if you don’t give him any to twist.”

As the lesson went on, I started to notice something was off with Julian. He didn’t smile as much as he

had in the past. A line was often seen splitting his brow.

I stopped him near the end of the lesson. I couldn’t wait any more before asking, “Are you okay?”

He opened his mouth. Closed it. Blinked a few times. “What makes you ask?”

“You seem… different. Like something’s bothering you.”

He laughed a little, but it sounded nervous. “Can’t a guy have some nerves before a big operation? This

event could make our break our entire case against the underground organization.”

I shrugged. “It’s not like you to show your nerves. Usually you play it off.”

“Yeah, well, I guess there’s more to lose this time than usual.”

I tilted my head, confused. “What do you mean?”

He sighed. “Come on, Piper. Is it so hard to believe that I’m actually worried about you and Elva?”

The words startled me. “You… are worried… about me?”

“And Elva,” he said.

It was hard to believe. I never bought into the idea Julian often pushed of himself, that he cared for no one but himself. But to hear him say he was actually worried for Elva and I… And to see it in the lines of his face, and the slight tremble of his voice…

I couldn’t help but be taken aback.

Thave something for you,” he said, and reached into the bag he had at his side. From it, he produced a

all velvet box, He handed it to me. “It might help us both.”

open the box. Inside was a beautiful golden necklace, a pendant on a chain. The pendant was

a full moon

જેમાં

  1. my finger along

to the tow

it out for me. As it dangled, I saw

you are in trouble, all you have to do is press the moon, and a

location will be pinged to my phone. I can come rescue you, no matter where you are.”

and beautiful gift. “Thank you

get the message?”

a half- second, I could have sworn I saw a flash of hurt in his eyes. But between one blink and the

gone.

I didn’t

so it goes to him too. The more the better,

saving you.”

acting strangely now. Talking too

Julian worried about me, which he must have to give me such a gift, that

Yet…

I

nodded, and we continued on, both pretending everything

closet trying to pick out my dress. I held up the dress that fit me like a circus tent. This was the only one Nicholas approved of. But… it was

couldn’t possibly wear it.

with the high

The gold glistened

I kissed Elva goodbye.

Nanny and Mark,”

she

shouldn’t go anywhere near

to

+15 BONUS

worry about anything, Piper,” Mark

“Thank you, Mark.”

of black sedans circled down the driveway. Each car stopped and a

the last three of us, Nicholas exited the

the stairs, likely to wait for his own car. When he saw me, he froze.

lip curled up

looked angry. Or

Or both.

over to me before I could even think to move. He grabbed me by the

me closer to the house, away

wearing?” he asked, voice low and growly. He dragged his gaze down my front.

staring openly at my breasts.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255